Leeway
Leeway is the freedom that someone has to take the action they want to or to change their plans
Examples
Rarely do schoolteachers have leeway to teach classes the way they want.
I think this government had enough leeway
Blog
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Charm offensive
Charm offensive
A “charm offensive” refers to a coordinated campaign of personal engagement, public relations efforts, and sometimes even flattery, aimed at winning the favor or support of a particular group.
Example
This visit serves as a diplomatic ‘charm offensive’ from the new Prime Minister
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Blame a comet striking from above
Blame a comet striking from above
Shirk responsibilities with ungrounded reasons
Example
Launching an impassioned tirade, he fired out: “…We can blame, I don’t know, a comet striking from above. How about looking in the mirror and saying perhaps we’ve got things wrong?”
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Jet-lagged
Jet-lagged
Tired and confused because you have made a long trip by plane
Example
You can’t label him as “lazy”. He has a full schedule and not even looking jet-lagged
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Draw the short straw
Draw the short straw
Be unlucky or unfortunate in a given situation. It’s not necessarily related to skill or ability but rather a matter of chance. The origins of this phrase are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in England during the 19th century
Example
“I was all set to be chosen for guard duty, but luckily, Simmons drew the short straw.”
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Stooge
Stooge
A performer whose act involves being the butt of a comedian’s jokes
Examples
“the stooge is offstage”
What a fantastic talk these stooges can give. Waffle waffle waffle
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Goof
Goof
Make a silly mistake or error, waste time doing nothing important
Examples
I goofed on the math test.
We goofed?
He goofed off instead of studying.
You did more than goof, you betrayed.
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Butt in
Butt in
To interrupt a conversation or discussion or someone who is talking
Example
Can commentators stop butting in with each other?
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Cheeky
Cheeky
Impudent or irreverent, typically in an endearing or amusing way
Examples
“a cheeky grin”
You are cheeky — I love it. So funny.
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Dog whistle
Dog whistle
In their figurative form, dog whistle messages can be heard and understood by members of certain groups, but not by the population at large
Examples
Saul introduces the concept of the “figleaf,” which differs from the more familiar dog whistle: while the dog whistle targets specific listeners with coded messages that bypass the broader population, the figleaf adds a moderating element of decency to cover the worst of what’s on display, but nevertheless changes the boundaries of acceptability.
—Ray Drainville, Hyperallergic, 12 July 2016Sorry the dog whistle comment should rule that woman out
English Journalistic Gems 